Taelor AnnMarie Gochanour passed away on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, in Eagle River, Alaska. She was sweet and kind and had a beautiful soul. She was the kind of girl that people would gravitate toward on the mere chance that some of that sweetness would rub off. Her favorite flower was the lotus flower, which represents beauty, prosperity, eternity, and spiritual enlightenment.

Taelor was born to Billy and Amanda Gochanour on May 13, 2004, in Anchorage, AK. She was raised in Anchorage and Eagle River. She attended Bowman Elementary, Mirror Lake Middle School, Chugiak High School and, like others her age during COVID, completed her education with online courses. She loved children and worked in that capacity after her schooling.

Taelor expressed herself creatively through artwork, poetry, and journaling; and fueled her imagination with a love of books. One of her favorite ways to spend time was in a bookstore. She had a big heart for her friends and had many long-term friendships.

Taelor was the sun and the moon to her parents, adored by her little sister Sage, and best friends with her Aunt Kaylin (Elliott Leighton) Gochanour. She was doted on by her grandparents, Steven and Therese Gochanour, Carl and Tamra Cartwright, and Annette Sterling. She loved spending time with her uncles Caden, Connor, Kody Bates and Carl “Evan” (Amanda) Cartwright, and Aunt Chrystan (Jeremy) Clarno, who are all deeply saddened by her untimely death. Her family will miss her bright smile and big hugs. They all loved her beyond words.

Taelor is survived by those mentioned above, a loving extended family, and great-grandpa, Harvey Smith, of Las Vegas, Nevada and great-grandma Helen Cartwright, of Anchorage, Alaska.

Taelor was preceded in death by her great-grandmother Kaye Smith, great-grandfather Don Carl Cartwright, and great-grandparents Wanda and Bobby Jones.

There will be a small private memorial for family and friend. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you share the Alaska Mental Health Resource Toolkit with your friends and family and donate to one of the resources listed at https://wellbeings.org.